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Cleaning carpets is a big chore, with several methods available to help you get the job done. Steam rug cleaners and spray foam cleaners are the two main options, each with its own benefits.

Suck It Up

Steam cleaners generally are the most effective way of cleaning carpets. The cleaners inject a cleaning solution mixed in hot water into the carpet fibers, then remove as much of the water as possible with a vacuum. The solution is able to reach deeper into the fibers than foam cleaners, making it the best choice for deep-seated stains and built-in dirt.

Spray It Down

Spray foam cleaners are sprayed directly into the carpet and worked in with a brush before vacuuming with a standard vacuum cleaner. Chemicals added to foam cleaners help prevent future stains and odors, brighten fiber colors and speed up the time it takes for the carpet to dry. However, these chemicals can introduce toxins into your home, and they remain on the carpet fibers for weeks or months.

About the Author

Wendy K. Leigh is a travel writer and photojournalist from Seattle. She is the Editor of Islands America, a travel website for visiting islands within the United States. She also writes about home design, food and historical architecture. Leigh holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington.